Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Twice Told Tuesday features a photography related article reprinted from old photography books, magazines, and newspapers.

Photographs were used to bring together the homeless child and the childless home. One of this country's most famous magazines, The Delineator published a Child Rescue Campaign combining sweet photographs of young children with a poignant story told in the style of the time. I am conflicted with regard to this article. I think you may be as well.

Now and then Nature sends into the world two children united by the bond of twinship, and this close tie of blood commands for them more than the ordinary share of human interest. Such children reveal mysterious sympathies and startling similarities, even though in outward appearance, in character and in disposition they may differ greatly. The separation of twins is a cruel injustice, and therefore The Delineator asks that they be placed in one home.

Willie and Winnie were born five years ago, in Anaconda, Montana. They were most unwelcome in the little family which had but a precarious existence in the Rocky Mountain mining camp.

There were two other children. The father spent most of his earnings in the saloons; the mother resented poverty. The coming of the twins was regarded as a cruel indignity, a final stroke of ill-luck.

For three years the mother gave the twins unwilling care, then one day she deserted her family. For more than a year the father tried to support his four children, but he relapsed into his old ways, and recently the twins were placed in the care of the Montana Home Society.

The mother has not been heard from since she obtained a divorce and married again, and the father has signed a release, so that Willie and Winnie are free for adoption.

A glance at the faces of these children gives assurance that they are bright and healthy, although from babyhood they have been poorly fed and sadly neglected. They have a close dependence upon each other and appear to understand their present position of uncertainty.

Both are affectionate, obedient, and unselfish. They are docile, good-tempered and easily controlled. Both gave evidence of first rate mentality. They are the types of the American girl and boy of more than average intelligence, and, in just the right environment, they will improve rapidly.

It is desired that these children shall be adopted by residents of Montana.

I was rather conflicted about the article. It reminded me of the animal shelter spots on TV. These were "obedient children." But then they were trying to find them homes and from my research, it appears the magazine was rather successful. Good homes I hope.

Once Christmas is over, I want to know what happened to them. I am writing a research plan. I hope to be able to complete the story.

This is one of the 35 "old magazines" I gave myself for Christmas. Every one is filled with treasures like this. I'm going to have such fun.

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About Shades Of The Departed

I have been collecting photographs for over twenty years. This blog will discuss that collection, the types of categories I've developed for that collection, and the types of photographs I collect.
I will also share with you what I've learned or am learning about scanning, creating a database, analyzing and dating my collection, and anything else that strikes my fancy related to photography and my collection.

About The Collector

I am fascinated by the clues left in the photographs I collect. Every picture is a miniature mystery and I love a mystery.

My grandfather was a photographer who traveled with the famous Burton Holmes. I am fortunate to have original photographs by
both men.

When I was ten my grandfather gave me a camera as a birthday gift. It was evident that I did not inherit the "photographer gene."
I have taken only one photograph in my entire life that I liked, but I know a good one when I see it.

I am a great appreciator.

Fortunately, I don't take myself too seriously. I know enough about
collecting photographs to know I don't know everything, but I am learning.